MotoGP: Bautista Surgery, Pins Removed

Following a trip with Randy Mamola to Zambia, Africa, for Riders for Health Experience Africa, which is a MotoGP charity, Alvaro Bautista underwent successful surgery Wednesday to remove pins from his femur.

The surgery was conducted at the USP San Jose de Madrid by Dr. Angel Villamor, who removed the pins that were installed following a crash during practice for the opening round of 2011 at Qatar.

Alvaro Bautista says: "Thanks to the all the staff at the USP San José hospital and Dr. Angel Villamor’s terrific team, who have always treated me well. Now I’ll rest and tomorrow morning I’ll get discharged to rest at home."

Bautista, who piloted the sole Suzuki GSV-R in 2011 MotoGP, broke his leg during a high-side crash at Turn 15 in Free Practice 3 in Losail/Doha, Qatar. The 27-year-old Spaniard complained of serious pain, and was taken to the on-track medical center, where he was diagnosed with a broken leg.

For 2013 MotoGP, Bautista signed with San Carlo Honda Gresini team; he will pilot a RC213V (1000cc).

Bautista, the 2006 125cc MotoGP Champion, joined the MotoGP class in 2010 with Suzuki. During the last two seasons, Bautista finished each year 13th overall. His best finish in 2011 MotoGP was fifth at Silverstone, and in 2010 a pair of fifths – Malaysia and Catalunya.

The San Carlo Honda Gresini team was struck by tragedy at Sepang when it’s pilot, sophomore MotoGP rider Marco Simoncelli, perished in a lap-two crash. The other 2011 San Carlo Gresini rider, Hiroshi Aoyama, joined World Superbike for 2012; the Japanese rider will compete with Jonathan Rea on the Castrol Honda CBR1000RR.